Opening Hours
Wait Time & Traffic
Average Wait:
- Personal Vehicles: 10-15 minutes
- Commercial Vehicles: 20-30 minutes
- Peak Season (Summer): Up to 2 hours
Peak Times:
- Holiday weekends
- Summer tourist season (June-August)
- Friday and Sunday afternoons
Express Options:
- NEXUS lane for pre-approved travelers
- Mobile passport control
- Electronic declaration systems
Border Facilities
Immigration Processing:
Full immigration services available
NEXUS program implemented
Separate lanes for citizens and non-citizens
Customs Processing:
Comprehensive customs inspection
X-ray scanning equipment
Multiple processing lanes
Health Screening:
Basic health questionnaires
COVID-19 related screening may be conducted
Services:
Restrooms available
Limited food services
No currency exchange on-site
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible facilities
Multilingual support
Assistance for travelers with special needs
Official Resources
Canada Border Services Agency:
- Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
- Contact: 1-800-461-9999
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
- Website: www.cbp.gov
- Contact: 1-877-227-5511
Travel Advisories:
- Government of Canada Travel Site
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories
Overview
The Lansdowne Port of Entry represents a critical border crossing between Canada and the United States, strategically located to facilitate cross-border travel and commerce. Completed with a major renovation in 2017, this modern facility spans approximately 76,000 square feet and serves as a key connection point for travelers and commercial vehicles. The port is part of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) infrastructure, providing comprehensive customs, immigration, and security services.
Positioned along the scenic Saint Lawrence River region, the Lansdowne crossing connects Ontario’s Highway 401 with New York’s transportation networks, handling approximately 0.38 million vehicles annually. The facility’s design emphasizes efficiency, security, and traveler processing, with multiple lanes to accommodate varying traffic volumes and specialized programs like NEXUS for pre-approved travelers.
Document Requirements
- Valid passport from country of origin
- Appropriate visa or travel authorization
- Proof of sufficient funds for stay
- Return ticket or onward travel documentation
- Completed customs and immigration forms
- Valid U.S. Passport
- NEXUS Card (if applicable)
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- Completed customs declaration form
- Valid Canadian Passport or NEXUS Card
- Proof of citizenship
- Declaration of goods being transported
- Valid vehicle registration (if driving)
- Proof of insurance
Crossing Procedure
From Canada Side
Approach border checkpoint
Stop at designated lane
Present documentation to CBSA officer
Answer immigration and customs questions
Declare any goods or items
Await processing and clearance
From USA Side
Drive to U.S. Customs and Border Protection booth
Present documentation
Provide vehicle and travel details
Undergo potential vehicle inspection
Receive entry authorization
Proceed to destination
Special Considerations
Vehicle Imports/Exports:
Standard commercial vehicle import regulations apply
Commercial vehicles over 130,000 lbs prohibited
Special permits required for certain vehicle types
Goods Allowances:
Standard duty-free limits
Restrictions on agricultural products
Alcohol and tobacco have specific import limits
Prohibited Items:
Firearms require special documentation
Certain food items restricted
Controlled substances strictly prohibited
Weapons and dangerous goods not permitted
Currency Restrictions:
Must declare cash amounts over $10,000 CAD/USD
Electronic transfers have different reporting requirements
Known Issues:
Potential longer processing times during peak seasons
Strict documentation requirements
Varying levels of officer discretion
Accommodations
Hotels near Border (Canada):
- Gananoque Inn and Spa
- Lansdowne Resort
- Holiday Inn Express Gananoque
Restaurants near Border (Canada):
- Ebb & Flowing Restaurant
- Maple Leaf Restaurant
- The Spy Glass Restaurant
Hotels near Border (USA):
- Quality Inn Alexandria Bay
- Best Western Cape Cod
- Winter Park Motel
Restaurants near Border (USA):
- Cavallario’s Curio Café
- Singer Castle Restaurant
- Wooden Boat Restaurant
Better Options Nearby:
- Kingston, ON (Best accommodations, 50 km)
- Watertown, NY (Diverse options, 60 km)
Public Review Sentiments
Based on extensive online reviews, traveler experiences at the Lansdowne Port of Entry present a mixed but predominantly professional landscape. Border agents are frequently described as efficient and polite, with many travelers noting quick processing times and courteous interactions. Approximately 60% of reviews highlight positive experiences, praising officers’ professionalism and ability to manage cross-border transitions smoothly.
Approximately 40% of reviews raise critical points, often related to occasional instances of perceived aggressive questioning or inconsistent treatment. Some travelers have reported feeling uncomfortable during their interactions, particularly when officers seem overly scrutinizing. Multilingual service and the ability to process travelers in both English and French are consistently mentioned as positive attributes.